Vacationland Times

State Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery) has introduced a set of three bills, known as the Taxpayer Freedom Trilogy, aimed at reforming Ohio’s property tax system. The legislative package addresses issues related to continuous levies, inside millage, and voter approval thresholds for new tax levies.

“Property tax reform is the number one issue in Ohio right now,” said Rep. Click. “Sudden spikes in property taxes have served as a pressure test, revealing weakness in accountability regarding property taxes. This package of three bills is designed to restore transparency, accountability, and fairness to Ohio’s property tax system.”

The first bill in the series, House Bill 420, is co-sponsored by Representative Bernie Willis (R-Springfield). It seeks to end continuous levies that do not expire unless repealed. According to supporters, many residents are still paying taxes on levies enacted by previous generations. The bill would require future levies to have expiration dates so each generation can vote on the taxes they pay.

House Bill 421 forms the second part of the trilogy and is joint-sponsored by Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson). Under current law, counties may approve up to 10 mills of property taxes without putting them before voters. This bill would create a process allowing citizens who believe their inside millage is too high to place the issue on the ballot for potential reduction. Ballot measures would include arguments both for and against changes so voters can make informed decisions.

The third measure, House Bill 422—jointly sponsored by Representative Jonathan Newman (R-Troy)—would alter voter approval requirements for new levies based on their size. Levies under one mill would continue requiring a simple majority; those between 1 and 1.9 mills would need at least 60% approval; and any levy two mills or higher would require support from two-thirds of voters. Supporters note that only about two-thirds of homes in Ohio are owner-occupied while non-owners can currently vote on increasing property taxes they may not directly pay.

Click stated: “The original cry of the nation’s forefathers was not ‘No taxation,’ but rather ‘No taxation without representation.’ The Taxpayer Freedom Trilogy is designed to enshrine the voice of the people in the taxation process. People understand that schools, first responders and other local services are necessary and depend on local taxes. Ohioans want to know what they are paying for, have a voice in the process, and ensure that the taxes are not excessive. The Taxpayer Freedom Trilogy accomplishes these goals.”

“Taxes should be easy to lower and harder to raise,” Click said.